Well, here is my attempt again-which I'm sure will be buried fairly quickly.

As many of you know, I collect coins and my knowledge about them is ok (but I am not an expert). Please feel free to ask me about them and I will answer with the best of my ability.




Cat

Hi Cat, I have a question, a few weeks ago I was in Kmart, the cashier
was supposed to give me $2.10 change but what she gave me was a
1943 steel penny instead of a dime.I kept the steel penny.Should I have
went back and asked for the dime? Are steel pennies worth anything?

Hi Cat, I have a question, a few weeks ago I was in Kmart, the cashier
was supposed to give me $2.10 change but what she gave me was a
1943 steel penny instead of a dime.I kept the steel penny.Should I have
went back and asked for the dime? Are steel pennies worth anything?



I can't say how much it is worth because I don't know the condition of it or if it has a mint mark (either D or S). According to my "bible"-The Offical Red Book, in fine condition (which is the lowest the book mentions) they are worth 25 cents for ones without a mint mark (minted in Philidelphia) and with a D (minted in Denver). An S mint mark (minted in San Fransisco)-again in fine condition is worth 35 cents. However, if you have a D mint mark, look closely at the D. If there is fainter D slightly under the first, than that is worth $6 (again in fine condition). It it worth more if the condition of the coin is better. I would say that worth your dime. However, one thing I have learned with coins-they are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them. I only use the Red Book as a guide. 




Cat

Are regular coins with real old dates on them worth anything?

I have an ordinary American Penny from 1935 and two Canadian Pennies from 1938

I don't see a mint mark, the penny is in really good condition it's just dirty.
I'm going to hold onto it for awhile and give it to my Grandson, maybe
it'll be worth more in a few years.

[quote author=wһіѕ

As a collector, do you find yourself checking all the coins you get (e.g., every time you get change from a store) just to see if by luck you got something worth more than face value?

As a collector, do you find yourself checking all the coins you get (e.g., every time you get change from a store) just to see if by luck you got something worth more than face value?



All the time. When it is really bad is when we are casinos playing slot machines that still take coins (yes, there are still some of those out there). In Feb. when we were in Puerto Rico, we went to casino and I was TRYING very hard to not to look at every quarter or nickel that I put into those machines (but I did look at a few and a few ended up in my pocket instead of the machine.  ;) )



Cat

Do you have a favourite coin that you've acquired?

[quote author=wһіѕ

What's the most valuable single coin in your collection?

Do you have a favourite coin that you've acquired?



I have so many favorites. But in terms of type of coins, I would have to say the Morgan Dollar which ran from 1878-1921. I'm trying to build an entire collection but I don't think I will do that. There are many of them that are worth quite a bit and I don't have the $$$$ to spend on all of them.


What's the most valuable single coin in your collection?


A 1907 10 dollar gold piece. My guestimation is that it is worth about $800. I bought it in a mixed lot on e-bay. I wouldn't spend that much on just one coin.



Cat

Have you seen this?

http://www.snopes.com/business/money/travis.asp



No I wasn't aware of that. So cool. BTW, yesterday I was going through a lot of pennies I just purchased and found a 1914-D.  ;D ;D ;D  Needless to say, I am very happy about it.




Cat

No I wasn't aware of that. So cool. BTW, yesterday I was going through a lot of pennies I just purchased and found a 1914-D.  ;D ;D ;D  Needless to say, I am very happy about it.




Cat


Lucky Bastard!  ;D

No, just kidding. ;) Congrats! I'm super-jealous!

Lucky Bastard!  ;D

No, just kidding. ;) Congrats! I'm super-jealous!



Thanks. I almost s**t when I saw it and kept looking and relooking just to make sure that I saw it right. It does have some scratches on it and I'm not too sure if it was cleaned because it is on the red side. But, I don't care. It is still a 1914-D and it is now filling a space in my penny album that was empty yesterday.  ;D ;D ;D 




Cat

Thanks. I almost s**t when I saw it and kept looking and relooking just to make sure that I saw it right. It does have some scratches on it and I'm not too sure if it was cleaned because it is on the red side. But, I don't care. It is still a 1914-D and it is now filling a space in my penny album that was empty yesterday.  ;D ;D ;D 




Cat


;D

If only it was a 1909-S VDB.

I thought I found a 1909-S one time, but it was probably just a Philly.  It was really beaten up, so I probably made some dents in it into an S thru wishful thinking  ;D

;D

If only it was a 1909-S VDB.

I thought I found a 1909-S one time, but it was probably just a Philly.  It was really beaten up, so I probably made some dents in it into an S thru wishful thinking  ;D



It was funny because everytime I get these lots, I always talk to Carlos about hoping to find a 1909-S, 1909-S V.D.B. or a 1955 double die. Then I was telling him that those aren't the ONLY ones worth finding, and I started listing them-including the 1914-D. I think it was about 10-15 minutes after I mentioned that, I found it. Yes, I'm still flying from that. I just can't believe it. At least my album is a bit fuller than it was. Someday, (hopefully) it will be completely full.



Cat

It was funny because everytime I get these lots, I always talk to Carlos about hoping to find a 1909-S, 1909-S V.D.B. or a 1955 double die. Then I was telling him that those aren't the ONLY ones worth finding, and I started listing them-including the 1914-D. I think it was about 10-15 minutes after I mentioned that, I found it. Yes, I'm still flying from that. I just can't believe it. At least my album is a bit fuller than it was. Someday, (hopefully) it will be completely full.



Cat


Coin collecting is an awesome hobby, isn't it?  I'm sure you know that gold and silver have been going to the moon lately, right?  I have about 5-6 oz of junk silver in a little cup right now, and if Silver goes to $100/oz, which is looking very possible right now, that's $500-$600.

Coin collecting is an awesome hobby, isn't it?  I'm sure you know that gold and silver have been going to the moon lately, right?  I have about 5-6 oz of junk silver in a little cup right now, and if Silver goes to $100/oz, which is looking very possible right now, that's $500-$600.



Not too much into gold. Only have that one gold coin. As for the silver, I don't check how much each day but the last I heard it is up to something like $12-$15. It is good for selling but not for buying and I buy more than I sell.  :-\\




Cat

Do you only collect US coins? Do you know what the very first coin minted in the US was and when? What about the very first coin, ever, anywhere?

Have you seen this?

http://www.snopes.com/business/money/travis.asp
Oh lord that's horrible! If my daughter was next in line and got that penny in change, she'd be apt to toss it away. She hates pennies and would chuck them out of car windows. It could also have went straight to a bank. Now-a-days they're usually tossed in a sorting machine. Don't know if that would catch the old coins. Hopefully somebody noticed it and something that rare & valuable hasn't been lost forever.

Do you only collect US coins? Do you know what the very first coin minted in the US was and when? What about the very first coin, ever, anywhere?




I mainly concintrate on US coins but I do have coins (and currency-paper money) from around the world. I have one dated 1765 from Russia during Katherine the Great's reign. I now have a bunch of obsolete coins from Europe since the introduction of the Euro. In terms of the first U.S. coins, the Spanish 8 reales (piece of eight) is concidered the first U.S. dollar even though it was minted in South American (Mexico City was usually the U.S. got them from). What is interesting, when the U.S. became a country in 1776, it was still using coins from England. Some states had their own coins, too. It wasn't until 1793 when the U.S. started minting its own coins with the "Chain Cent" leading the way. As for the first coin ever? I have no idea. They are very ancient.



Cat 

Have you made any money off the huge gold and silver rises?

Is coin-collecting profitable?

Have you made any money off the huge gold and silver rises?



So far I have only sold a handful of coins so the jury is still out on that.




Is coin-collecting profitable?



It can be. My theory is that coins will only increase in value. Coins have 3 different values. 1) face value 2) metal content value 3) historical value. I collect for the historical value-which I believe is what most collectors collect for. Face value isn't really a factor in terms of old coins (you will NOT find a Morgan dollar for $1). Today, the metal content is worth quite a bit. As I am typing this, gold is at $683.80 an ounce and silver is $12.63 an ounce (which is down from what it was last week). The morgan dollar is 90% silver so even if you have one that is in terrible condition, at this very moment, you can sell it for about $12.63-melt value. The historical value is where the big $$$ is. Depending on the condition of the coin and the rarity, some coins fetch A LOT of $$$$. The key to making that is buying low and selling high. If you are interested in starting to collect/invest, I recommend getting the Red Book to see which coins are higher/lower in value. The Red Book is just a guide to how much the coins are worth because it is printed once a year so it can't take silver prices into concideration, but  it will help you not to get ripped off. For instance, the 1883-O (New Orleans) Morgan in the very high grade of MS-64, the Red Book values at $60. If someone tries to sell you that coin, in that condition for $200, you know that is not a good deal. But if they sell it to you at $70-well, that may or may not be good price (a lot of it depends on silver prices).

I hope this makes sense.



Cat

I asked the bank and they wouldn't help me!  I received a dollar coin from a vending machine in the postoffice...no problem, except when I looked at it, the face was covered over by a round sticker!  The back side is still the gold eagle one dollar that is supposed to be there, but is it still worthy money or should I get it out of circulation and ask the post office for a replacement dollar?

I asked the bank and they wouldn't help me!  I received a dollar coin from a vending machine in the postoffice...no problem, except when I looked at it, the face was covered over by a round sticker!  The back side is still the gold eagle one dollar that is supposed to be there, but is it still worthy money or should I get it out of circulation and ask the post office for a replacement dollar?



When you say "gold", I'm assuming it is a Sacagawea dollar. And my guess will be that the date under that stick will either say 2000 or 2001. Sacagawea dollars are still being minted today but they were stopped being released into circulation after 2001 because it was not very popular (you can still get dates after 2001 but only through dealers or even through the Mint). I can tell you-without even looking at it is that it is worth $1, even with the sticker on it. But, over the course of years, that sticker will not raise its value at all. So, you can still keep it in circulation by spending it or go to a bank to replace it for a better quality one if you want to hold on to it and hope the value increases over the years.



Cat

Gold prices have been falling back lately.

Gold prices have been falling back lately.



Of course the Sacagawea isn't gold. It is mainly copper and brass.



Cat

Hi Cat, hey, what would be a good inexpensive pricing magazine or book for someone like me that has a few coins, but no collector savvy?  8)

Hi Cat, hey, what would be a good inexpensive pricing magazine or book for someone like me that has a few coins, but no collector savvy?  8)



Like I have mentioned in several of my posts in this thread, The Red Book. You can find a copy of it for under $10. It gives you an idea of what things are worth, what to look for, etc. 



Cat

Like I have mentioned in several of my posts in this thread, The Red Book. You can find a copy of it for under $10. It gives you an idea of what things are worth, what to look for, etc. 



Cat
right on, the Red Book. I will keep it in mind.
Do you collect primarily American or do you also collect foreign coins?
Are Eisenhower dollars any good, what about peace dollars from early 20's, are they fairly common?

right on, the Red Book. I will keep it in mind.
Do you collect primarily American or do you also collect foreign coins?
Are Eisenhower dollars any good, what about peace dollars from early 20's, are they fairly common?



I usually just stick with U.S. coins but I do have quite a few of foreign coins in my collection (as well as U.S. and foreign currency).

As of now, the Eisenhowers are not as valuable because they are not that old (and are not made out of silver). However, since they are no longer being minted, they are collectiable. So hold on to them.

As for the peace dollars, depending on the condition and year, they can be worth quite a bit. An average circulated 1922 or 1923 can go for something like $10-$20.  A 1928 even in poor condition can go for several hundred. My wonderful Hubby just bought me the entire Peace Dollar set-all of them in high grades (but I haven't gotten it yet).



Cat

I usually just stick with U.S. coins but I do have quite a few of foreign coins in my collection (as well as U.S. and foreign currency).

As of now, the Eisenhowers are not as valuable because they are not that old (and are not made out of silver). However, since they are no longer being minted, they are collectiable. So hold on to them.

As for the peace dollars, depending on the condition and year, they can be worth quite a bit. An average circulated 1922 or 1923 can go for something like $10-$20.  A 1928 even in poor condition can go for several hundred. My wonderful Hubby just bought me the entire Peace Dollar set-all of them in high grades (but I haven't gotten it yet).



Cat
nice, your wonderful hubby knows what makes you purr  8)  I'll make some time and read thru the thread since 3 pages is easy and see where you mentioned the red book before. Can you recommend any particular cleaning method or product to make coins look better or restore them?

As I also collect coins, can I answer questions too Cat?  ;)

nice, your wonderful hubby knows what makes you purr  8)  I'll make some time and read thru the thread since 3 pages is easy and see where you mentioned the red book before. Can you recommend any particular cleaning method or product to make coins look better or restore them?



DO NOT CLEAN COINS!!! If you insist on having a coin cleaned, take it to someone who specializes in cleaning coins. Many cleaning products can harm the coin.



As I also collect coins, can I answer questions too Cat?  ;)



Sure.




Cat

DO NOT CLEAN COINS!!! If you insist on having a coin cleaned, take it to someone who specializes in cleaning coins. Many cleaning products can harm the coin.


Cat
I have little experience and you've been a big help. thanks Cat

I have little experience and you've been a big help. thanks Cat



No prob. I have always loved coins but when I first started really collecting, I knew very little-which made me an easy target to get ripped-off. Then I discovered The Red Book and it really gave me a lot of knowledge about the world of coins-what to look for and what not to look for. To be honest, I still get ripped-off but now, when I do, I realize the fact but usually it is because I want that coin that much. Another word of wisdom, if you are in the market-shop around. There are mega-dealers out there. You can usually find someone who is selling what you are looking for at a cheaper cost than others. (I usually buy on ebay.)



Cat

How many coins do you have in your collection?

How many coins do you have in your collection?



I'm sorry it has taken me a while to answer this. I haven't been in the section for a while and I figured everyone had forgot about this thread.

I really couldn't tell you-I have SOOOOOO many.  Carlos says it is not a collection, it is a horde.  :D ;D ;D ;D


Actually, I'm going through and picking and choosing the ones I want to keep and then we are going to make arrangements with one of the local auction houses and sell all of them at once.


Cat

I'm sorry it has taken me a while to answer this. I haven't been in the section for a while and I figured everyone had forgot about this thread.



I was just thinking about this thread earlier today.  I was sorting through our collection of state quarters.  Am I right in thinking that there is only Alaska and Hawaii still to be released?

I'm sorry it has taken me a while to answer this. I haven't been in the section for a while and I figured everyone had forgot about this thread.

I really couldn't tell you-I have SOOOOOO many.  Carlos says it is not a collection, it is a horde.  :D ;D ;D ;D


Actually, I'm going through and picking and choosing the ones I want to keep and then we are going to make arrangements with one of the local auction houses and sell all of them at once.


Cat
I hope that the coins are not all store under the mattress?

I was just thinking about this thread earlier today.  I was sorting through our collection of state quarters.  Am I right in thinking that there is only Alaska and Hawaii still to be released?


Yup-Alaska will be released tomorrow and Hawaii will be released by the end of the year-and that is the end of the State Quarter program. I just found out that next year (2009) there will be 6 designs for the territories; District of Columbia (Wash.D.C.), Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, &  Northern Mariana Islands.



I hope that the coins are not all store under the mattress?


That would be very uncomfortable to sleep on.  :D ;D ;D ;D

Actually, we have a very small room (or a BIG closet) in our house that we refer to as the "coin vault". And yes, we do lock up the room.



Cat

Yup-Alaska will be released tomorrow and Hawaii will be released by the end of the year-and that is the end of the State Quarter program. I just found out that next year (2009) there will be 6 designs for the territories; District of Columbia (Wash.D.C.), Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, &  Northern Mariana Islands.


That would be very uncomfortable to sleep on.  :D ;D ;D ;D

Actually, we have a very small room (or a BIG closet) in our house that we refer to as the "coin vault". And yes, we do lock up the room.



Cat
you have a lock on your closet?

you have a lock on your closet?



We put a lock on it.



Cat

Hi  there!

I have a couple of coins questions:

--Are Sacagawea $1 dollar coins worth anything more than face value. My dad recently got one when he was buying postage stamps at the post office. Is it worth anything, or is it just worth a buck?  :(

--Other than historical value, is Confederate money worth anything?

--What is the largest denomination that you can find in American money. A friend and I have a bet, I say that there is a 10 thousand dollar bill and she says it stops at 5 thousand. Which one of us is correct? (And who is on these bills?)

Thank you!  ;D

Are gold coins made from pure gold?

Hi  there!

I have a couple of coins questions:

--Are Sacagawea $1 dollar coins worth anything more than face value. My dad recently got one when he was buying postage stamps at the post office. Is it worth anything, or is it just worth a buck?  :(

--Other than historical value, is Confederate money worth anything?

--What is the largest denomination that you can find in American money. A friend and I have a bet, I say that there is a 10 thousand dollar bill and she says it stops at 5 thousand. Which one of us is correct? (And who is on these bills?)

Thank you!  ;D


Most Sac are not worth more than face value-in high grade they may be worth about $3-$6 but chances are, if you got it from the Post Office, it is not in high grade. There are about 5,000 (out of 767,140,000) in 2000 that had a special finish that are worth $500 in high grade.  :o :o :o  Of course finding one of those 5,000 is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Confederate money is worth something to collectors. (I have a Confederate $10 bill). I don't know too much about paper money and the price guide I have is dated 2000 (I really need to get a newer one). Depending on the condition and the denomination, they can be worth anywhere from about $15 way up to several thousands. As far as Confederate coins-pennies were recast using the old dies in the 1960s-these are not worth much. But a Confederate half dollar are VERY RARE and worth a lot.

Neither of you win the bet-the highest is $100,000 and it is Woodrow Wilson on it.

http://www.mrnussbaum.com/prescurr.htm

There are other backs than the ones they have listed on this site. Here is a different one from the $10,000.

http://darkcreek.com/files/images/money-10000-front.jpg
http://darkcreek.com/files/images/money-10000-back.jpg

The U.S. stop printing denominations over $100 in 1969.


Are gold coins made from pure gold?


I can't speak for British coins-only for U.S. The original gold coins that were used as money were .900 gold and .100 copper (the last of those were made in 1933). The modern day what they call Gold Eagles are .9167 gold .03 silver and .0533 copper. The exception is the $50 American Buffalo (Gold Eagle) which is .9999 gold. One thing that I don't understand is why the U.S. Mint puts denominations the Gold/Silver Eagles because you can NEVER get them for that price. The $50 Gold Eagle you will be luck to get for under a grand.



Cat

Hi Catwoman!  ;D

I'll let my dad keep the Sacs then. LOL. I don't have any Confederate money myself, but I'm interestedin it. I like old things. (See the MJ banner? LOL!) I've never seen a 100,000 thousand dollar note. I didn't even know it existed. Who would even have that? LOL.

What is the little scene depicted on the back of the 100 grand bill?

Thanks!

Hi Catwoman!  ;D

I'll let my dad keep the Sacs then. LOL. I don't have any Confederate money myself, but I'm interestedin it. I like old things. (See the MJ banner? LOL!) I've never seen a 100,000 thousand dollar note. I didn't even know it existed. Who would even have that? LOL.

What is the little scene depicted on the back of the 100 grand bill?

Thanks!


I guess I didn't make myself too clear in my post (sorry). The website  http://www.mrnussbaum.com/prescurr.htm  shows photos of the front and back of all denominations-including the 100K. But, I found a different back for the 10 K (that I posted) which is the embarkation of the pilgrims-the portrait is Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase. Check out the website. I think it is really interesting.


Cat

Have you ever gotten any collector coins in regular change from a store?  I once got a Liberty Dime in regular change, but I was shopping with my cousin (who was getting married the next day) and I wanted to give her a "good luck" coin for her shoe (for the walk down the aisle) but she lost it!  I was so mad.  *sigh*  She had her purse stolen out of her car between the wedding and wedding reception (when she went to show off her gown to her co-workers).  ::)

Have you ever gotten any collector coins in regular change from a store?   I once got a Liberty Dime in regular change, but I was shopping with my cousin (who was getting married the next day) and I wanted to give her a "good luck" coin for her shoe (for the walk down the aisle) but she lost it!  I was so mad.  *sigh*  She had her purse stolen out of her car between the wedding and wedding reception (when she went to show off her gown to her co-workers).  ::)



That sucks to have your purse stolen on your wedding day.

Was it a Liberty Dime (1892-1916) or Mercury Dime (1916-1945)? Not saying that it really matters at this point.

Anyway, to answer your question-yes but not in a long time. I have found a lot of wheatback pennies. A long time ago when I was in Las Vegas, I was playing a nickel slot machine. I hit a fairly decent jackpot-but not THE BIG ONE, which I wanted. The hopper was full and I started to put the warm nickels back into the machine. I looked down and there was a buffalo nickel right on top. I ALMOST put it back into the machine. Now, I have a hard time playing slot machines that take real money (the new ones don't use coins) because I am ALWAYS looking at the coins.

Besides wheatback pennies, the ones you are likely to find are quarters. If you EVER find a 1964 or earlier quarter-don't spend it. It is silver. Oh, and if you find Jefferson nickels dated between 1942-1945, they are also silver.


Cat

Is it true you can buy gold coins directly from the mint for $500 and turn around and sell perfect ones for $800 - $900 on ebay?

Is it true you can buy gold coins directly from the mint for $500 and turn around and sell perfect ones for $800 - $900 on ebay?



It is possible. Of course you have to know what are the "perfect" ones. The best way is to send them in to be certified. I never had a coin certified myself so I don't know what it cost (but I have bought certified coins). And if you do have coins certified or buy certified coins the two best certifying companies are PCGS or NGC (NGC is my personal fav). There are many, many others out there-some better than others but sticking with those two, you know you can't go wrong. Other people like buying what they call "raw" coins-coins that are not certified.


It is very easy to tell what is a certified coin

http://members.aol.com/dcwehler/graphics/perfects.jpg

These are all certified by PCGS.

http://lynncoins.com/1986-2005ngc-silver-eagles-ms69-set1of3.jpg

These are certified by NGC.


Cat

That sucks to have your purse stolen on your wedding day.

Was it a Liberty Dime (1892-1916) or Mercury Dime (1916-1945)? Not saying that it really matters at this point.



I'm guessing it would have been a Mercury Dime, as if it were REALLY old as in the dates for the Liberty dime, then I might have been more selfish and kept it for myself.  ;D

I have the same problem with playing the slots or doing laundry at the laundrymat.  Always looking at those coins.

Have you heard about the new $20 coin made of Palladium?  I don't know when/if it ever came out, but here is the Congressional address for getting the bill passed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q9ZrvMUueY

Here is an interesting youtube series about coin collecting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03kuXf0x1Qg  Spare Change.

Here is a cool video of when the director of the U.S. Mint appeared on the 60s game show "What's my line?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRa4jRvweog

Have you seen the new penny design they are coming out with next year?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZObEGR03LL4

Can you tell I'm a youtube addict?  ;) ;D

Hi there!

I have another question. My dad found another strange coin and I've never seen it before. It's a gold $1 coin, but instead of having Sacagawea on the front of it, it has Andrew Jackson on it and the Statue of Liberty on the back. Around Jackson, it says his name, and I think the years he was in office and along the rim/edge of the coin it has "In God We Trust" stamped all around it.

Is this coin worth anything?

Thanks!  ;)

Hi there!

I have another question. My dad found another strange coin and I've never seen it before. It's a gold $1 coin, but instead of having Sacagawea on the front of it, it has Andrew Jackson on it and the Statue of Liberty on the back. Around Jackson, it says his name, and I think the years he was in office and along the rim/edge of the coin it has "In God We Trust" stamped all around it.

Is this coin worth anything?

Thanks!  ;)



This is a new coin. It is similar to the State Quarter series, they are doing the presidents. They started with George Washington last year and they do 4 presidents a year. As for the worth, most of them are only worth a dollar. With this series, they have made a lot of errors. Error coins are usually worth a lot more. There was a Washington error which didn't have anything on the rim. The problem with that is that it is easy for someone to just sand off the rim-in other words-FAKE! The really neat errors were the Adams. Some of the coins were put through the "hopper" to put the info on the rim-twice. Some coins had the info going in the same direction only printed twice and some where upside down so it looked like Russian.

http://koinpro.tripod.com/VarietiesUS/2007PAdamsGraphicW.jpg

I would like to get a few of those for my collect but haven't-YET. But I do have a normal Washington & Adams that is only worth $1.



Cat

This is a new coin. It is similar to the State Quarter series, they are doing the presidents. They started with George Washington last year and they do 4 presidents a year. As for the worth, most of them are only worth a dollar. With this series, they have made a lot of errors. Error coins are usually worth a lot more. There was a Washington error which didn't have anything on the rim. The problem with that is that it is easy for someone to just sand off the rim-in other words-FAKE! The really neat errors were the Adams. Some of the coins were put through the "hopper" to put the info on the rim-twice. Some coins had the info going in the same direction only printed twice and some where upside down so it looked like Russian.

http://koinpro.tripod.com/VarietiesUS/2007PAdamsGraphicW.jpg

I would like to get a few of those for my collect but haven't-YET. But I do have a normal Washington & Adams that is only worth $1.



Cat
Could these coins be forgeries, for about 2% of £1 coins in the UK are?

Could these coins be forgeries, for about 2% of £1 coins in the UK are?



Are you talking about the regular coins or the error coins? The Mint has acknowledged the errors so it is highly doubtful that they are forgeries. The only exception would possibly be the smooth rim because like I said in my last post, it is easy to file or sand down the rim. It would be very hard to put in the extra date/mint mark and all the other info that is on the rim.



Cat

Are you talking about the regular coins or the error coins? The Mint has acknowledged the errors so it is highly doubtful that they are forgeries. The only exception would possibly be the smooth rim because like I said in my last post, it is easy to file or sand down the rim. It would be very hard to put in the extra date/mint mark and all the other info that is on the rim.



Cat
If it has been acknowledged then the (your) coins are real.

Pound Coins real and forged

If it has been acknowledged then the (your) coins are real.

Pound Coins real and forged



Thanks for the info. That's good to know. I'm going to have to compare those photos to the £ that I have. (I do have a few but not many).



Cat

Thanks for the info. That's good to know. I'm going to have to compare those photos to the £ that I have. (I do have a few but not many).



Cat
Some of the vending machine refuse the coins, sending them to the return slot, so the weight must be wrong too.

Hi!

Thanks for the info on the Presidential dollar coins.

Can you stand another few questions from me?  :)

I  just took a good look at the colelction of coins my father has and I think he has some good ones. I hope you can help me. The follwoing coins caught my interest and I was wondering what the potential worth of these coins could be:

--1899 Copper (?) penny.
--1921 Morgan Dollar.
--1972 Kennedy Half Dollar
--1984 Kennedy Half Dollar
--1993 Kennedy Half Dollar


Thank you!  ;D

Hi!

Thanks for the info on the Presidential dollar coins.

Can you stand another few questions from me?  :)

I  just took a good look at the colelction of coins my father has and I think he has some good ones. I hope you can help me. The follwoing coins caught my interest and I was wondering what the potential worth of these coins could be:

--1899 Copper (?) penny.
--1921 Morgan Dollar.
--1972 Kennedy Half Dollar
--1984 Kennedy Half Dollar
--1993 Kennedy Half Dollar


Thank you!  ;D



Without seeing it, I am assuming your 1899 is an Indian Head penny-and it is indeed copper. Depending on the condition, it can worth anyway from under a dollar to over $65. A good indication of it's condition, is to look at the headdress. If you can read the word "Liberty", then it is in at least fine condition and could be worth at least $5-$10. If you can't read "Liberty"-well, it is worth less. lol

Assuming your 1921 it is a Morgan-Peace dollars were also minted in 1921 and people do get them mixed up. To tell the difference if you turn it over, the Peace dollar will say "Peace." Easy enough.  ;)  The 1921 Peace dollar is worth more than the 1921 Morgan. There were many made. Again, condition plays a key role in how much. Also, is there a mint mark. On the Morgan, the mint mark is on the back, right above the "D" & "o" in "Dollar". On the Peace dollar, the mint mark is below the word "One" on the back. It is really hard to say what it is worth without seeing what kind of condition it is in.

The Kennedy half dollars-again depending on condition, probably aren't worth too much-at least not now. The only one that may be worth a bit is the 1964 because that is silver and silver prices are up right now.


BTW, I don't mind questions at all-that is why I created this thread, so ask away.  ;)  I just hope that my answers are understandable.



Cat

Hello!

thanks again for the information. I was most interested in the Morgan dollar and unfourtunately, mine doesn't say "Peace" anywhere. I even took a magifying glass to it. NADA!  :( But its in near mint condition.

Thanks.

It is possible. Of course you have to know what are the "perfect" ones. The best way is to send them in to be certified. I never had a coin certified myself so I don't know what it cost (but I have bought certified coins). And if you do have coins certified or buy certified coins the two best certifying companies are PCGS or NGC (NGC is my personal fav). There are many, many others out there-some better than others but sticking with those two, you know you can't go wrong. Other people like buying what they call "raw" coins-coins that are not certified.
Cat


Thanks Cat!

Hello!

thanks again for the information. I was most interested in the Morgan dollar and unfourtunately, mine doesn't say "Peace" anywhere. I even took a magifying glass to it. NADA!  :( But its in near mint condition.

Thanks.



I should have done this:

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2945345/2/istockphoto_2945345_authentic_1900_morgan_silver_dollar_front_and_back_view.jpg


Morgan dollar

http://www.certifiedmint.com/images/PeaceFrontBack2.gif

Peace dollar-you can't see "Peace" in this photo but it is below the eagle (on the rock).


I have complete sets of both of them.


It is really hard to say what a coin is worth because it is basically worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The figures I give are from the Red Book and guessing on the condition. After collecting coins for as long as I have been, I'm STILL unsure as to what makes a coin good, fine, very fine, almost circulated (AU), or brilliant uncirculated (BU). I only make guesses. There is no exact science to it and it is very subjective. I read somewhere where someone had I don't know how many coins that were certified which includes their grades, covered up the grades and had people grade them. 9 times out of 10 the grades were totally off to what the certification grade was. 



Cat

Hey Cat!  :)

The coin I have looks like the one on top.  :( Darn it to heck. I wish it was a Peace dollar man! LOL! Thanks for helping!  ;D

Another question: What is the rarest and most valuable of collectible US currency. Like what is considered the "holy grail" amongst collectors?

Hey Cat!  :)

The coin I have looks like the one on top.  :( Darn it to heck. I wish it was a Peace dollar man! LOL! Thanks for helping!  ;D

Another question: What is the rarest and most valuable of collectible US currency. Like what is considered the "holy grail" amongst collectors?



I think the "Holy Grail" of "Holy Grails" has to be the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle $20 gold coin.


http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/numismatics/doubleea/1933or2.jpg

There were only 445,500 minted-just about all were melted at the mint. Today, only 13 are known to have survived. One in Gem BU condition sold at auction in July 2002 at Sotheby's/Stack's for (get this) $7,590,020!  :o :o :o

BUT-there are many, many replicas of it.  8-P



Cat

:o Great googly moogly! 7 million dollars! Wow!

Wish I had one of those in my possesion.  ;D Thanks!

My 1,000th post!  ;D

:o Great googly moogly! 7 million dollars! Wow!

Wish I had one of those in my possesion.  ;D Thanks!

My 1,000th post!  ;D



Don't we all want one of those. I would be happy with a 1907 St. Gaudens. It is not worth as much but it is affordable and just as pretty. The reason why I want the 1907-because they don't have the motto (In God We Trust) on them because Teddy Roosevelt thought it would be wrong for people to spend this money on booze with the motto on it.  :D ;D ;D ;D


BTW, congrats on your 1,000th. (Karma to you).



Cat

Have you ever found any older sixpence coins?

I have one that's from 1949.

Have you ever found any older sixpence coins?

I have one that's from 1949.



If you are talking about British coins-probably. I have a whole bunch of foreign coins-but since it is not really my forté, I don't spend a lot of time on them-just put them aside so I'm not too sure what I have. I know the oldest coin I have is a 1747 (?) '48 (?) Cathrine the Great coin. It is buried right now and I don't feel like digging it out so I can't give the specifics on it. Granted it is not a British coin. I do have new pennies & half pennies with all the monarchs dating back to Victoria.



Cat

If you are talking about British coins-probably. I have a whole bunch of foreign coins-but since it is not really my forté, I don't spend a lot of time on them-just put them aside so I'm not too sure what I have. I know the oldest coin I have is a 1747 (?) '48 (?) Cathrine the Great coin. It is buried right now and I don't feel like digging it out so I can't give the specifics on it. Granted it is not a British coin. I do have new pennies & half pennies with all the monarchs dating back to Victoria.



Cat


The one I found was in the bottom slot of a Coinstar machine. It's kinda funny when people try to cash in foreign currency in them.

Are regular coins with real old dates on them worth anything?

I have an ordinary American Penny from 1935 and two Canadian Pennies from 1938


I have two pennies and two nickels (Canadian) with King George VI on them. Anythime I find anything with King George on it I keep it. I wonder if they are worth anything, but don't care because I like KGVI.

I have two pennies and two nickels (Canadian) with King George VI on them. Anythime I find anything with King George on it I keep it. I wonder if they are worth anything, but don't care because I like KGVI.


As I have said, coins are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them. And of course condition plays a key roll. If you can give me the dates, I may be able to give you an estimate-but without knowing the condition, it would be a very rough estimate.



Cat

When will the US Mint stop making pennies? They lose money on every one they make.

Any idea what a roll (50) of 1943 Steel pennies in AU50 to MS63 are worth now?

signature banned as well

When will the US Mint stop making pennies? They lose money on every one they make.

Any idea what a roll (50) of 1943 Steel pennies in AU50 to MS63 are worth now?

signature banned as well



For one thing, the U.S. technically does not have pennies, it has cents. (But, I calll them pennies, too.  ;) )  Since 2009 is the 200 anniversary of the birth of Lincoln & the 100 anniversary of the Lincoln cent (the longest for any U.S. coin), the mint will be issuing new coin design. The front will remain the same but will have 4 different backs.


http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2009LincolnOneCent


1943 steel pennies are not worth as much as many people think because they are so common-even in high grade. According to the 2008 Red Book (*reminder to self: Time to get the new Red Book), a steel penny in MS 65 from Philly (no mint mark) is worth $2, a D (Denver) is worth 2.75 & S (San Fransisco) $4. You can multiply that by 50. The best thing to figure out how much they are going for is to do a search on eBay or other on-line auction places and see how much people are willing to buy them.


BTW, thanks for bumping my thread up.  ;)



Cat-The Local Numismatist

When did people start calling cents pennies?  I have always called them pennies, it seems weird to call them cents although it makes sense...ha.

Thanks for the link to the pennies.  I like the log cabin one.

When did people start calling cents pennies?  I have always called them pennies, it seems weird to call them cents although it makes sense...ha.

Thanks for the link to the pennies.  I like the log cabin one.


People have been calling them pennies since they came out. The English have pennies and when the U.S. created its own coins, the government tried to move away from the English system-thus calling them cents. The people however, were so used to calling them pennies and the name just stuck from generation to generation.



Cat

Interesting.  Thanks, Cat. :)

Hi There.

I have a question:

With the way that Obama commemorative coins are being manufactured to celelbrate his historic presidential win, do you think these coins will be worth alot of money one day? Or since so many are being put out there, will just be more for sentimental value than actual collector value. (Like cans of Billy Beer) I'm trying to decide if I should buy an Obama coin set or not.

Thanks.  :)

Hi There.

I have a question:

With the way that Obama commemorative coins are being manufactured to celelbrate his historic presidential win, do you think these coins will be worth alot of money one day? Or since so many are being put out there, will just be more for sentimental value than actual collector value. (Like cans of Billy Beer) I'm trying to decide if I should buy an Obama coin set or not.

Thanks.  :)



DON'T BUY THEM!!!!

THEY ARE FAKES!!!!!


http://www.usmint.gov/consumer/index.cfm?action=hotitems#obama



Cat

I was sorting through my change today, checking for state quarters, when I spotted a weird coin.

I have a double-headed nickel!  The even weirder part is that it is a different year on each side - 1964 and 1988!

I was sorting through my change today, checking for state quarters, when I spotted a weird coin.

I have a double-headed nickel!  The even weirder part is that it is a different year on each side - 1964 and 1988!





It is a novelty item used for magic tricks.


http://coins.about.com/od/errorcoinsdievarieties/qt/two_headed_coin.htm


They are worth a couple of bucks to magicians (like Wildcard  ;) ) but not a great value, or you can use it when you have a coin toss-just as long as you always call "heads".  ;) :D ;D ;D



Cat

thanks for the link explaining how it was made.  I'd spotted a slight imperfection on part of the edge of one face.

LOL. I didn't buy the Obama coins.  ;)


I have another question:

If you could design a piece of American currency (else paper bills or metal coins) featuring President Barack Obama, what would it look like and  how much would it be? (like a quater, or a half dollar, or a twenty, etc.)

Thanks.

LOL. I didn't buy the Obama coins.  ;)


I have another question:

If you could design a piece of American currency (else paper bills or metal coins) featuring President Barack Obama, what would it look like and  how much would it be? (like a quater, or a half dollar, or a twenty, etc.)

Thanks.



Interesting question and I'm not too sure how I would answer that. Of course he will eventually be on a dollar coin-like all presidents will.



Cat

what's the most valuable coin in all the land?

what's the most valuable coin in all the land?



I posted this a while ago. This would be my guess as to what is the most valuable coin.




I think the "Holy Grail" of "Holy Grails" has to be the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle $20 gold coin.


http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/numismatics/doubleea/1933or2.jpg

There were only 445,500 minted-just about all were melted at the mint. Today, only 13 are known to have survived. One in Gem BU condition sold at auction in July 2002 at Sotheby's/Stack's for (get this) $7,590,020!  :o :o :o

BUT-there are many, many replicas of it.  8-P



Cat





Cat

wow!! I had that one.  Just bought some groceries with it at Walmart.

wow!! I had that one.  Just bought some groceries with it at Walmart.



And I have a bridge in Brooklyn I will sell ya, cheap.  ;)



Cat

Do you know where I could take foreign coins to be exchanged for U.S. currency?

Do you know where I could take foreign coins to be exchanged for U.S. currency?




You should be able to take them to most banks. You might want to call first just to make sure. However, a word of warning: the bank will only give you whatever the exchange rate is for that day-which may not be to your advantage. (Check out what the exchange rate is:  http://www.x-rates.com/ ) It may not be worth it if you have only a few foreign coins. You may be better off selling them on eBay or some other place.



Cat

You should be able to take them to most banks. You might want to call first just to make sure. However, a word of warning: the bank will only give you whatever the exchange rate is for that day-which may not be to your advantage. (Check out what the exchange rate is:  http://www.x-rates.com/ ) It may not be worth it if you have only a few foreign coins. You may be better off selling them on eBay or some other place.



Cat


Okay. I wanted to lighten my load. There's a fairly good number of them, mostly ones I don't care for. The only one I don't want to exchange is the sixpence coin.

Do you have any recommendations for a price guide for old English coins?  I bought a bracelet at a church sale that has several 3 pence coins from 1900 or earlier and was wondering if they'd be worth anything individually or if since they all have two holes drilled into the sides of the coins (to connect them into a bracelet) that that would ruin the condition (and value) of the coins?

Do you have any recommendations for a price guide for old English coins?  I bought a bracelet at a church sale that has several 3 pence coins from 1900 or earlier and was wondering if they'd be worth anything individually or if since they all have two holes drilled into the sides of the coins (to connect them into a bracelet) that that would ruin the condition (and value) of the coins?



World coin price guide: I would like to know the answer to that question, myself. lol

The first one I had was the Black Book (as opposed to the Red Book or the Blue Book). I HATED it. (I also had the Black Book to Currency and hated that, too. I will NEVER get another Black Book.)

I just recently purchased this book:

http://www.brent-krueger.com/images/0794820565.jpg


It is ok, but as you can, it is limited in the years and I have some coins prior to 1850 and some after 1964. According to that book, 3 pence from 1893-1901 in very fine condition with worth about $2-I'm assuming yours is less than very fine because of the holes. Yes, the holes do effect the value. However, if the coin is in really piss-poor condition, it is still worth something-melt value. Silver right now is about $14.50 an ounce. http://www.kitco.com/charts/livesilver.html



Cat

Hi!  :)

---Which country would you say has the prettiest looking currency?

--If you could be on a monetary note, how much would you like for it to be worth?

--Have you heard anything about a Commemorative Michael Jackson coin?

--I've always been kind of fascinated by Confedrate Currency that was made during the Civil War. I just always thought that it was remarkable how intricately it was dsesigned. Do you know if that was done by hand, by machine or a combination of both?

--I know that over time, the dimensions of the US Dollar has become smaller. Do you know how large the bill was in earlier years?

Thank you!

--Have you heard anything about a Commemorative Michael Jackson coin?


Expect to see some soon from Liberia.

Liberia is probably the largest source of "Legal Tender Commemorative Coins" in the world.  And they did not wait very long to start rushing out Ronald Reagan coins.  And every year since 2001, they have introduced a new batch of 9/11 coins.

There are already some such "Commemorative Coins" out, but they are not coins, but more accurately bullion.

Hi!  :)

---Which country would you say has the prettiest looking currency?



I don't know how to answer this one. I think they ALL are great.



--If you could be on a monetary note, how much would you like for it to be worth?



Again, something I never really thought of so I don't know how to answer that. I could say it would be worth A LOT and be sought after by collectors who are willing to pay for it, but I think I would be on a lower domination so everyone could have one.



--Have you heard anything about a Commemorative Michael Jackson coin?



Nope-at least not in this country (as Mushroom already said that Liberia would probably produce one). The U.S. Mint has NEVER put an entertainer on a commemorative. They do put generic athletes on them celebrating the Olympics but that is the closest they get to entertainers.   



--I've always been kind of fascinated by Confedrate Currency that was made during the Civil War. I just always thought that it was remarkable how intricately it was dsesigned. Do you know if that was done by hand, by machine or a combination of both?




Had to do a little research on this question because I do not collect Confederate currency (even though I do have ONE in my collection). As far as I could tell, they were made by machine but the signatures were hand-done. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America_dollar



--I know that over time, the dimensions of the US Dollar has become smaller. Do you know how large the bill was in earlier years?

Thank you!


The bigger bills are called "Horse Blanket Bills" and they are usually about 3¼" x 7½" or about 25% larger than our bills now.



Cat

Hey!

Thank you Cat and Mushroom! I appreciate the answers! Karma to both!

Cat, I'm curious, what is your take on the Franklin Mint.  I noticed you telling Tiffeny that the Obama coins were fakes, but today I saw a commercial by the Franklin Mint that offered the entire set of state quarters.  Are these actual quarters?  Or just replicas?  My understanding is that anything minted by anything other than the U.S. Mint isn't actual currency.  Is that correct, or are there some exceptions?

Cat, I'm curious, what is your take on the Franklin Mint.  I noticed you telling Tiffeny that the Obama coins were fakes, but today I saw a commercial by the Franklin Mint that offered the entire set of state quarters.  Are these actual quarters?  Or just replicas?  My understanding is that anything minted by anything other than the U.S. Mint isn't actual currency.  Is that correct, or are there some exceptions?



You are correct. Unless they were minted by the U.S. Mint, they are NOT legal currency. The State Quarter program was a success in terms of turning many, many people into coin collectors (which was part of its purpose). The Franklin Mint has a tendency of jumping on the band wagon trying to cash in on the latest craze (like they did with Obama). I am not going to downplay all of the Franklin Mint's "stuff" because there are some collectors out there who want F.M. stuff, however, when it comes to coins, all that they come out with are not worth it.


Oh, just a FYI, if anyone is serious about purchasing collectible U.S. coins-my personal advice would be not to go through Littleton Coin. They are a BIG rip off-not in terms of the coins-they are real, but in terms of the price. They charge WAY higher than the coins are worth. You can find them cheaper other places.



Cat

You are correct. Unless they were minted by the U.S. Mint, they are NOT legal currency. The State Quarter program was a success in terms of turning many, many people into coin collectors (which was part of its purpose). The Franklin Mint has a tendency of jumping on the band wagon trying to cash in on the latest craze (like they did with Obama). I am not going to downplay all of the Franklin Mint's "stuff" because there are some collectors out there who want F.M. stuff, however, when it comes to coins, all that they come out with are not worth it.


Oh, just a FYI, if anyone is serious about purchasing collectible U.S. coins-my personal advice would be not to go through Littleton Coin. They are a BIG rip off-not in terms of the coins-they are real, but in terms of the price. They charge WAY higher than the coins are worth. You can find them cheaper other places.



Cat


Thanks for the info!  :)

Cat, I'm curious, what is your take on the Franklin Mint.  I noticed you telling Tiffeny that the Obama coins were fakes, but today I saw a commercial by the Franklin Mint that offered the entire set of state quarters.  Are these actual quarters?  Or just replicas?  My understanding is that anything minted by anything other than the U.S. Mint isn't actual currency.  Is that correct, or are there some exceptions?


Ash

I think I recall you saying a couple of years ago that you were collecting the state quarters.  Have you got them all yet?  We're still looking for the Wisconsin one

Have to share this story.


A while ago, I bought a package of 100 bank notes. Most are only worth about a dollar or two-or even less. But they are all in good condition and it is a lot of fun-almost like playing with Monopoly money.  :D ;D ;D ;D Anyway, I couldn't figure out where half of them were from because they were written in different languages-like Russian and South East Asia languages (whatever they speak/write). I just recently bought a book that list all of these bank notes. As I figured, a lot of them are from countries that made up the former Soviet Union (which is why they were written in Russian). However, there were some that I couldn't identify. They weren't in the book. They were all from the same place because they all the same person's portrait on them. I searched on-line and discovered WHY they weren't in the book. They weren't bank notes at all but shares from a Moscow investment firm. And after searching a bit further, I discovered that the dude who's portrait was on these shares was basically the Russian answer to Bernie Madoff and was the master mind of the biggest Ponzi scheme in Russia's history-and yes, he did do some time for his crimes. So, I have a whole bunch of shares in this company.  :-\\




Cat

So I found my last state quarter.

And I found one for American Samoa.  HOw many more of these protectorates are there?

So I found my last state quarter.

And I found one for American Samoa.  HOw many more of these protectorates are there?



There are 6 of them for this year-The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Next year, they will start featuring Natural Parks from all 50 states + the 5 territories + the District of Columbia.


http://mintnewsblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/2010-quarters.html


Oh, did you get the quarters from BOTH mints-P & D? (P=Philadelphia, D=Denver.)


Cat

There are 6 of them for this year-The District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Next year, they will start featuring Natural Parks from all 50 states + the 5 territories + the District of Columbia.


http://mintnewsblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/2010-quarters.html


Oh, did you get the quarters from BOTH mints-P & D? (P=Philadelphia, D=Denver.)


Cat


I already have the DC one, so that leaves us four more to find.

I haven't bothered worrying about which mint the coins are from.  That would've just added an extra complication to the whole thing.  As it is I think collecting all fifty in two years isn't bad going. 

I suspect most of them are from Philadelphia.  A friend in CT is trying to collect from both mints and regularly exchanges them with her mother-in-law in Utah to get the D issued ones

  Do you collect Roman coins?  I have three - one Gallienus (denom. unknown), one Vespasian As and one Marc Antony Legionary Denarius, the oldest things around this house besides dirt...

   Do you collect Roman coins?  I have three - one Gallienus (denom. unknown), one Vespasian As and one Marc Antony Legionary Denarius, the oldest things around this house besides dirt...



I'm assuming you mean Roman Empire coins (as oppose to Italian coins that were made in Rome). I don't normally collect foreign coins but yet, I do have quite a bit in my collection. I don't actively seek them out and if I do get some, it is usually in bulk. The oldest coins I have are a 1745 copper "Duit" from the Dutch East India Company, & 1765 Catherine the Great 5 Kopeck from Russia. The oldest U.S. is a 1798 large cent. The rest of what I have are from the 19th & 20th centuries (and now some from the 21st  ;) ).



Cat

What do you know about Wheat Pennies?  As I come across them in the change I get, I put them aside.  Are they worth anything (other then a penny?)

Should coins be cleaned (or would that be considered money laundering  ;) :D ;D )?

What do you know about Wheat Pennies?  As I come across them in the change I get, I put them aside.  Are they worth anything (other then a penny?)

Should coins be cleaned (or would that be considered money laundering  ;) :D ;D )?



First and foremost (and I have said this numerous times)

DO NOT CLEAN COINS!!!!!!


If there is something on them (like dirt, something sticky, etc.) that is very obvious, you can use a bit a of water to try to get it off but other than that, leave them as they are. If you use any kind of chemical and harsh soaps, it can damage them and reduce their value.


What do I know about Wheat Pennies? A LOT!!!! I probably know more about pennies than I do about any other coin (the Morgan & Peace Dollars come close in my knowledge). As for your pennies, the short answer is yes, they are worth something. What? It depends on the year and condition. There are also a lot of error coins. Some of these error coins include what they call double die (which is a doubling of lettering), broken die (which looks like it has a crack in it), etc. The most valuable penny is the 1955 double die which is valued over $1000 in the poorest condition. It can go as high as a few grand if the condition is in mint state (high grade).


http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/1955-double-die-penny.png

I don't have one in my collection but I have what they call a poor man's double die which has some doubling but not as predominate as the one in the photo. I once sold one of my poor man's double dies for about $20. 

All Wheat Pennies are made out of copper. (They stopped making copper pennies in 1982-that year, some were copper, the rest were zinc-which is what our pennies are made out of now.) So in terms of metal content, it is worth that.  I have seen a lot of places selling Wheat Pennies by the pound-they usually go for $24 or so (depending where). I have been known to buy HUGE lots of Wheaties (I'm talking 50000 pennies  :o :o :o ) and go through each and every one of them.  :o :o :o  Yes, it is an illness, I know. But, I keep hoping to find that '55 double die or a 1909-S VDB (which is worth several hundred, even in the poorest condition) and other rare ones. That is where I found those poor man's double dies. 



Cat

Cat, speaking of pennies, what do you know of brass plated pennies? A clerk gave me a 1992 brass penny as change,
I thought it looked rather unusual so I put it away. Should I keep it stowed or just spend it?

Cat, speaking of pennies, what do you know of brass plated pennies? A clerk gave me a 1992 brass penny as change,
I thought it looked rather unusual so I put it away. Should I keep it stowed or just spend it?



Well, they say that you learn something new everyday. I have NEVER heard of brass plated pennies-but after doing a little research, there is such a species. I am going to copy a post from another forum.


The brass plated cents were created when zinc planchets got stuck in the plating barrel they would dissolve and contaminat the plating solution. Then when later batches of blanks were plated instead of being plated with pure copper, they got a mixture of copper and zinc. In other words Brass. And they aren't a true mint error because the mint doesn't make the planchets, and the "brass" plating composition varies all over the place. And since the solution starts becoming contaminated with the very first batch of blanks plated you could say that ALL of the plated cents are brass plated with the composition of the brass on every batch being different.




http://www.cointalk.com/t4769/


It is possible that I have had these in my collection and never knew it. As for it's worth? I don't think it is would be any more than a regular penny with the same date/grade. But I could be wrong.



Cat

It is possible that I have had these in my collection and never knew it. As for it's worth? I don't think it is would be any more than a regular penny with the same date/grade. But I could be wrong.



Cat


Well, that's my luck. I find an unusual penny and it's worth......a penny.  :(

I'm still going to hold onto it, even if it's value is just a conversation piece. Thanks for the info Cat.

Well, that's my luck. I find an unusual penny and it's worth......a penny.  :(

I'm still going to hold onto it, even if it's value is just a conversation piece. Thanks for the info Cat.



20 years from now it will probably be worth more than a penny.



Cat

Hi Cat!, I said I was going to visit the neighborhood, I was strolling along and I find you in "ask me about coins" board, what a
"coin-cidence!" I have been dabbling in collecting coins since the mid 70's and think we could share some talk over coins on your board. I'm going to read the post replys now, I'll get back to you...cool!

Well, here is my attempt again-which I'm sure will be buried fairly quickly.

As many of you know, I collect coins and my knowledge about them is ok (but I am not an expert). Please feel free to ask me about them and I will answer with the best of my ability.




Cat


Cat , how long have you been a collector, or as what I call myself an accumulator of the coins? You have a good knowledge of the numismatic hobby, this will be a fun.

Cat , how long have you been a collector, or as what I call myself an accumulator of the coins? You have a good knowledge of the numismatic hobby, this will be a fun.



Glad to see you in "other parts" of the board.  ;)


What got me into collecting was when I was about 5 or 6.  :o :o :o  I wanted candy. My sister had a little dish that held some pennies. She wouldn't noticed that one or two were gone. (You can see it coming). After I helped myself to just a couple of pennies (yes, those were the days when there was such a thing as penny candy), she noticed. She was very upset and informed me that one of the pennies that I took was a 1909 (the first year of the Lincoln cent). I felt so bad. From that time on, whenever I happened to come across a wheat penny or a buffalo head nickel, or something else, I would set it aside.

Almost 20 years ago, I started buying coins. At first, I bought low grade coins at high prices.  ::)  I was so ignorant about coins that I didn't know any better. Then, I bought my first Red Book and read it-and learned. When my financial situation improved (after I moved in with Carlos), I was able to buy the higher grade coins and I had enough knowledge NOT to get ripped off (well, not much  ::) ).

I have bought so much in the last 20 years that now I am in the process of downsizing my collection. I would buy BIG lots and pick out the ones I wanted but still had A LOT left over. In fact, this Wednesday, I have a whole bunch that will be going under the auction hammer. I am to the point where I don't need to buy BIG lots anymore (even though they are fun to go through). I have to be very selective about what to buy now so I don't get overwhelmed again.


Oh, and last Nov. I gave my sister a 1909 V.D.B. to make up for that 1909 that I stole from her all those years ago-but she didn't remember it but took the penny anyway. ;) 



Cat

Glad to see you in "other parts" of the board.  ;)


What got me into collecting was when I was about 5 or 6.  :o :o :o  I wanted candy. My sister had a little dish that held some pennies. She wouldn't noticed that one or two were gone. (You can see it coming). After I helped myself to just a couple of pennies (yes, those were the days when there was such a thing as penny candy), she noticed. She was very upset and informed me that one of the pennies that I took was a 1909 (the first year of the Lincoln cent). I felt so bad. From that time on, whenever I happened to come across a wheat penny or a buffalo head nickel, or something else, I would set it aside.

Almost 20 years ago, I started buying coins. At first, I bought low grade coins at high prices.  ::)  I was so ignorant about coins that I didn't know any better. Then, I bought my first Red Book and read it-and learned. When my financial situation improved (after I moved in with Carlos), I was able to buy the higher grade coins and I had enough knowledge NOT to get ripped off (well, not much  ::) ).

I have bought so much in the last 20 years that now I am in the process of downsizing my collection. I would buy BIG lots and pick out the ones I wanted but still had A LOT left over. In fact, this Wednesday, I have a whole bunch that will be going under the auction hammer. I am to the point where I don't need to buy BIG lots anymore (even though they are fun to go through). I have to be very selective about what to buy now so I don't get overwhelmed again.


Oh, and last Nov. I gave my sister a 1909 V.D.B. to make up for that 1909 that I stole from her all those years ago-but she didn't remember it but took the penny anyway. ;)  



Cat


Hi Cat, My interest in collecting coins started when my uncle gave my father American Occupation coins and paper money from WWII as souvenirs. From time to time my father take them out and show us his accumulation of collectables and the money, but I was to young to understandand but do remember the money and liked the pictures on the bills and the different size coins, so I guess I was about 5 years old when I got I hooked on coins thanks to my uncle.

I started collecting my own coins when I was 7 years old. My aunt came back from Las Vegas and gave us all silver dollars as souvenirs. She gave me 1921 Morgan dollar, minted in Philadelphia, it was the biggest head rush I ever had, I treated that dollar like it was a religous icon and then it started, my older brother dabbled in collecting also, and I learned a lot from him, looking for and saving steel cents and buffalo nickles that were still being circulated in the early 50's. He read that the new 1955 pennies that were not in circulation yet had a some double dies in the mix. When they we they came out we look through about a $1,000. worth of pennies, by going to banks trading in $5.00 in rolls, check them and trade them back for new $5.00 rolls,and so on, but no luck, it only got more interested in collecting but at that age it was more of accumulating old dated coins. my biggest regret is when they said they were removing silver coins from circulation in 1964 that I didn't sell the farm and buy all the silver coins with it at face value. but who knew then that the silver would go as high as $52.00 an ounce in 1980...who knew? but that's another story.

Today I have an account with the US Mint and get my new stuff, and then I go to coin shows and pick up what ever looks good. I don't collect today I accumulate quality pieces for my grand daughters who I'm slowly getting them interested in coins by showing them all of my collection like my father did to me. I tell them these will be all yours some day and they're 5 and 2 years old today, they will have a nice nest egg 50 years from now when I'm dead...but they'll remember me and that's all worth it. We will continue this...      

Hi Cat, My interest in collecting coins started when my uncle gave my father American Occupation coins and paper money from WWII as souvenirs. From time to time my father take them out and show us his accumulation of collectables and the money, but I was to young to understandand but do remember the money and liked the pictures on the bills and the different size coins, so I guess I was about 5 years old when I got I hooked on coins thanks to my uncle.

I started collecting my own coins when I was 7 years old. My aunt came back from Las Vegas and gave us all silver dollars as souvenirs. She gave me 1921 Morgan dollar, minted in Philadelphia, it was the biggest head rush I ever had, I treated that dollar like it was a religous icon and then it started, my older brother dabbled in collecting also, and I learned a lot from him, looking for and saving steel cents and buffalo nickles that were still being circulated in the early 50's. He read that the new 1955 pennies that were not in circulation yet had a some double dies in the mix. When they we they came out we look through about a $1,000. worth of pennies, by going to banks trading in $5.00 in rolls, check them and trade them back for new $5.00 rolls,and so on, but no luck, it only got more interested in collecting but at that age it was more of accumulating old dated coins. my biggest regret is when they said they were removing silver coins from circulation in 1964 that I didn't sell the farm and buy all the silver coins with it at face value. but who knew then that the silver would go as high as $52.00 an ounce in 1980...who knew? but that's another story.

Today I have an account with the US Mint and get my new stuff, and then I go to coin shows and pick up what ever looks good. I don't collect today I accumulate quality pieces for my grand daughters who I'm slowly getting them interested in coins by showing them all of my collection like my father did to me. I tell them these will be all yours some day and 5 and 2 year today will have a nice nest egg 50 years from now when I'm dead...but they'll remember me and that's all worth it. We will continue this...      



I would have loved to get in on all those CC Morgans at face value from the Mint, too. I heard they were walking away with Morgans in wheelbarrows. Then the Mint got smart and put them in GSA packaging. I would also love to find a '55 double die but that has eluded me.


I have been trying to get complete sets. So far, I have complete sets of Morgan dollars (some I would like to upgrade), Peace dollars, Walking Liberty halves, Franklin halves (which I want to upgrade), Barber quarters (sans 3), Washington quarters (up to 1999 complete with proofs), Mercury dimes, Buffalo Nickels, & Indian Head penny. There are several that I am working on. The Jefferson nickel & FDR dime I almost have a complete set but I'm missing some of the newer ones. The next sets I am going to buy (when I can afford them) is probably one of the Barber sets (either dime, nickel, or half). I am also trying to build a Standing Liberty quarter set & a Large Cent set. And of course my Lincoln cents (well, I have 2 partial sets-none of the "big one" like the 1909-S or the '09-S V.D.B., 1914-D etc. etc. )

I do have most of the Silver Eagles (certified NGC MS 69). I don't have any of the Ws that were made in 2006, 2007, 2008 as well as the 1995 W. I also have all the Mint sets & Proof sets since 1960. And yes, I do go to the Mint and buy them every year. I also get a Silver Eagle for each grandchild for their first Christmas. I started with proofs but last year with granddaughter #4, (which I'm sure you are aware) that the Mint didn't make Silver Eagle proofs so I got her a business strike. But I did manage to get 2 boxes that the proofs came in (someone sent the coin to be certified but was selling the boxes). That extra box is going to come in handy this Christmas since grandson #1 (and grandkid #5) was born in April.



Cat

Since coins were mentioned in another thread, I thought it was time to bump this thread up for all who want to know.



Cat

In Canada, they stopped putting silver in coins (not the penny, but the dime, nickel and quarter, dollar) in I think 1967, so usually coins from 1967 and before are worth more because of the silver content.

When did USA stop producing coins with silver in it?

In Canada, they stopped putting silver in coins (not the penny, but the dime, nickel and quarter, dollar) in I think 1967, so usually coins from 1967 and before are worth more because of the silver content.

When did USA stop producing coins with silver in it?


I collect coins meself. The last coins minted in the US of silver bear the date 1964, but I believe the 1964 dates were actually minted well into 1966. Any coin with a date 1965 or later will be clad (non-silver), with the exception of Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965-1970 which are 40% silver.

I collect coins meself. The last coins minted in the US of silver bear the date 1964, but I believe the 1964 dates were actually minted well into 1966. Any coin with a date 1965 or later will be clad (non-silver), with the exception of Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965-1970 which are 40% silver.


I have some Canadian silver dollars from the mid 1960s and they are worth ( I've been told) about $15 each.

I have some Canadian silver dollars from the mid 1960s and they are worth ( I've been told) about $15 each.


I'd say more like $17-18 but realistically if you sold them you'd probably get $14 or $15 since the dealer has to cut a profit. If you are interested in selling them, make sure to go to several different places, so you don't get ripped off.

I'd say more like $17-18 but realistically if you sold them you'd probably get $14 or $15 since the dealer has to cut a profit. If you are interested in selling them, make sure to go to several different places, so you don't get ripped off.


It's all relative to the price of silver though. I had sold 3 already for about $15 each. Do you have lots of coins? Canadian too?

It's all relative to the price of silver though. I had sold 3 already for about $15 each. Do you have lots of coins? Canadian too?


I used to. Yeah a Canadian dollar is 6/10 of an ounce of silver, and the current spot is about $33 so we're actually looking at about $20 a piece. $15 is okay to get, you can do a lot worse, some people might lowball you as little as $6 each  >:( but I would try to get a bit more than $15 personally, if possible. Canadian dollars are pretty much bullion so they should be paying you close to spot if they are reputable.

I used to. Yeah a Canadian dollar is 6/10 of an ounce of silver, and the current spot is about $33 so we're actually looking at about $20 a piece. $15 is okay to get, you can do a lot worse, some people might lowball you as little as $6 each  >:( but I would try to get a bit more than $15 personally, if possible. Canadian dollars are pretty much bullion so they should be paying you close to spot if they are reputable.


I suppose if you went to a pawn shop maybe you might get as low as $6, not sure. It's best to shop around, agreed